RunYogi Diaries Podcast

Davy Crockett is in the house today,  someone who has been running ultras for a long time having to his credit over 200 ultras, of which are 105 100 miler races, including a few on a treadmill!!!!  In his blog, he says he runs 100 miler races…  because he can, because of the challenge, because he enjoys it  He is also an ardent historian, and his website www.ultrarunninghistory.com is rich in content about the history of this sport. He is also the Director for the annual ultrarunning hall of fame listing.  We get behind the scenes on how it all started, how did it become such a central theme in his life and yet manage balance with family and work, the story behind the ultrarunning history, the treadmill 100 miles, and finally where he is headed next.

In conversation with the amazing Mona Rayachoti, who has a fascinating story of “despising sports” during the growing up years, to now embracing her inner athlete through marathons and triathlons. and additionally, she is effectively using endurance sports for self-care and mental wellness   We get behind the scenes how it started, scaled, key lessons along the way that can be valuable to the listeners and where she is headed next in the journey.

YouTube link : https://youtu.be/erxUdcNAtnQ

Dilip Kumar is a pioneer of sorts for his community who are traditionally traders and business people from one of the oldest trading districts of Bengaluru. These are people soaked in the great tradition, culture, and food, but an active lifestyle usually takes a back seat.  Dilip breaks that stereotype, he does not mind being the odd man out and setting an example of what's possible. His pursuit of running is now inspiring many in his community to take on healthier lifestyles including his wife who gets his support and empowerment.   His journey of running marathons and ultras is filled with passion and adventure, and an ongoing quest for continuous improvement.

In this episode is Anu Singh, a veteran of sorts in the SFO Bay Area running scene running amongst the South Asian community. 

Although she started late in her 40s, that didn’t stop her from conquering the marathon, 50k(s) and ultimately the 100 milers, with half iron man thrown in as a cherry on top.  What's fascinating about her journey is her transformation from running for self to running for others, pivoting into her foray into coaching along with coach Rajeev Patel, in the process becoming an anchor of support for many in their endurance journeys.  We get behind the scenes of this fascinating journey, and also speak about where she is headed next.

Youtube link https://youtu.be/H7WBLtMuomc

In conversation with the incredible Kanchan Kabad who at 65 does not let age slow her down. If there is someone who demonstrates living one’s life fully and with purpose, she would be it.

Her journey embodies the mindset of can do and must do, and she is one the few who gets the big picture, because everything she does includes a big picture, be it be running for fighting cancer or inspiring others to lead a active lifestyle.

Her journey of running and hiking is not merely about physical fitness, its transcendental, its about finding herself and true joy through a higher order purpose.

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In today's episode is Anusuya Ashok, a spirited lady who has been pushing boundaries in her running and wellness journey, and she’s doing it as draped in a saree, a commendable act because women who are more comfortable in ethnic outfits can see new doors of possibilities.  We speak about how running entered her life, tips on how she scaled her volume to complete full marathons and ultra, the light bulb moment of donning a saree for it, and what's next in her journey.

In the house, today is an ultra-endurance athlete who has no boundaries. 

As someone who started his journey as a runner, scaled to be an ultra-runner, he went to complete multiple Ironman triathlons and serious mountaineer. And all this while having a commitment to work and family.  

We get behind this fascinating personal journey, how is it that while many struggles to eke out 30 minutes to stay active, some like him pursue a passion and balance it all  What makes it possible to learn skills, like swimming and climbing late in one’s life and then finally what’s next on in horizon.

Today, in the house is someone who has successfully pursued her passion for ultras navigating her commitments as a parent, spouse, and professional.  

Being a recreational athlete can be demanding, but it seems women have it more difficult for a variety of reasons. 

Part of the likely reason, the %age of South Asian women participating in marathons and ultras in the Americas is relatively low   We dig into why and how running entered her life, what's her secret sauce for juggling commitments without sacrificing ‘self-care”, the love for trail running and how to do it safely, and finally what's next in her journey

Youtube version on : https://www.youtube.com/c/runyogidiaries

#ultra #running #run4water 

It's exciting to have Katie Spotz back on the show, this time to share her latest adventure of running 11 ultras (50k) in 11 consecutive days to raise funds for water projects in under-served communities.  

Throughout her adventures, Katie isn’t just seeking to make history. She is also raising money for safe drinking water projects around the world. To date, more than 30,000 people have gained access to clean water through her challenges and events, getting closer to creating a world where everyone, everywhere has clean, safe water. Give water today.

YouTube version : https://www.youtube.com/c/runyogidiaries

In the house, happy to have the incredible Manmadh Rebba back. From being a non-swimmer once, he went to conquer the water. He did log distance ocean swimming, IronMan, and the Ultraman ( double the distance to the IronMan ). That's his spirit, indomitable and always pursuing more.  The Pandemic life didn't stop him either, from conquering the Grand Canyon rim to rim, pivoting into ultra running, and raising funds for the Covid crisis in India, he continues to push boundaries.